European allies draw up contingency plan as Trump rekindles Greenland takeover threat

The discussions reflect growing unease in Europe over Washington’s posture toward the strategically vital Arctic island, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark.

Officials say the objective is to ensure a unified European position should the United States move beyond rhetoric, a development that could severely strain transatlantic relations and send shockwaves through NATO.

France and Germany signal joint approach

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the issue of Greenland would be discussed with his German and Polish counterparts, underlining the importance of collective action.

Speaking on French radio, Barrot said Europe wanted to respond firmly but in close coordination with its partners.

German officials echoed that position, with a government source stating that Berlin was working closely with Denmark and other European capitals to assess next steps and potential responses to any escalation.

Denmark expected to lead European response

Senior European officials have indicated that Denmark must take the lead in coordinating a broader European reaction, given Greenland’s status within the Danish realm.

However, some diplomats privately note that Copenhagen has yet to clearly outline what form of support it expects from its allies.

Despite that uncertainty, leaders from major European countries and Canada have publicly backed Greenland in recent days, stressing that the island’s future must be decided by its people, not imposed by outside powers.

Trump revives Greenland takeover push

Trump has again raised the prospect of gaining control over Greenland, reviving an idea he first floated in 2019.

He has argued that the island is critical to US military strategy and claimed Denmark has failed to adequately secure it.

The White House confirmed that Trump and his advisers are actively discussing options, including the potential use of the US military, despite strong objections from European allies.

The comments have unsettled NATO partners, particularly given Greenland’s long-standing strategic role in Western defence.

Washington downplays invasion scenario

Barrot said he had spoken directly with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who sought to reassure European leaders that a military invasion of Greenland was not being considered.

According to Barrot, Rubio explicitly ruled out such an approach during their conversation.

Nevertheless, concerns in Europe were heightened following a recent US military operation in Venezuela, which revived fears that Washington could pursue aggressive unilateral actions elsewhere.

Denmark seeks dialogue with Washington

Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Greenland’s foreign affairs minister, Vivian Motzfeldt, have requested an urgent meeting with Rubio to discuss the escalating situation.

Rasmussen has urged all sides to lower the temperature and replace heated rhetoric with constructive dialogue.

He stressed that Greenland is not for sale, a position consistently maintained by both Copenhagen and Nuuk.

Strategic importance of Greenland

Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of around 57,000, is not a NATO member in its own right but falls under Denmark’s NATO umbrella.

Its location between North America and Europe has made it central to US missile defence systems for decades.

The island’s mineral resources have also attracted growing interest as Washington seeks to reduce dependence on China for critical materials.

Denmark rejects claims of foreign encroachment

Trump has repeatedly claimed that Russian and Chinese vessels are operating near Greenland, raising security concerns.

Danish authorities have firmly rejected those assertions, saying they do not match reality on the ground or at sea.

According to vessel tracking data cited by Danish officials, there is no evidence of Chinese or Russian ships operating near Greenland’s coastline, contradicting claims made by the US president.